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It is a godsend for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet but did you know spirulina also makes a great addition to any lifestyle?
Join us as we discover what is spirulina exactly and the dozens of ways you can reap the benefits of this superfood.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a fresh water algae that hails from Central America.
For the most part, spirulina is readily available in most supermarkets. If not, a trip to the health food store will surely help you find this dark green powder, although spirulina is also available in capsules.
Always read labels to ensure you are purchasing pure spirulina without any additives.
What are the health benefits of spirulina?
This plant reached superfood status because it is packed with protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B, E and K. It also contains mineral salts and magnesium.
It is beloved by vegetarians because it is the only plant-based source of vitamin B12, which is normally obtained from meat, fish and animal products.
Fun fact: NASA added spirulina to the diets of astronauts in orbit because it aids recovery after missions.
What does spirulina taste like?
Spirulina tastes more or less how you would expect algae to taste, like a mouthful of lake water with a hint of sulphur. Don’t let that put you off. Disguise this acquired taste by combining it with fruit in a smoothy or sprinkled into food. Cooking also deadens its flavour. Use the delicious recipes below as inspiration.
How to eat powdered spirulina: smoothies and juices
Super easy: just add a tablespoon or two of powdered spirulina to your favourite smoothies and juices. It will boost your antioxidant intake and provide a nice source of protein. Try adding it to this delectable green spinach, zucchini and celery smoothie, the perfect drink for vegans, or to your next batch of fresh juice such as pomegranate and orange.
How to eat spriulina: healthy green bread
You already eat bread so why not make it even healthier by adding spirulina?
The Hulk-like green bread recipe from Meghan Telpner is easy to make and oh-so-delicious.
Pasta or gnocchi with spirulina
Spirulina makes a great addition to pasta and gnocchi because its flavour is neutral once cooked. Start by grinding the spirulina capsules in a pestle and mortar. Just a teaspoon of powder is enough to give your noodles a gorgeous blue-green hue. Try adding a little spirulina to this traditional pasta dough.
Spirulina in salad dressings
Salad dressings are another great way to sneak spirulina into your everyday meals. You can try adding it to vinaigrettes or this easy recipe for salad dressing: 1 avocado + 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder + lemon juice + drizzle of olive oil. You can use it in any salad.
Spirulina in protein-packed desserts
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy these decadent coconut truffles spiked with spirulina. Perfect for a healthy energy boost when your blood sugar levels drop mid-afternoon. Get the recipe over at Haute Health.
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